Bellarmine University vs. GWU

Comparable Facts

Compare Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY with Gardner Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Gardner Webb University is larger than Bellarmine University based on total student enrollment (3,104 students vs. 2,886 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bellarmine University is located in Louisville, KY (Large City setting); Gardner Webb University is in Boiling Springs, NC (Rural Fringe setting).
• Bellarmine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Gardner Webb University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bellarmine University 12:1; Gardner Webb University 12:1.

Bellarmine University vs. GWU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bellarmine University or GWU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Gardner Webb University than Bellarmine University ($20,016 vs. $23,165).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bellarmine University are 4.9% lower than at Gardner Webb University ($10,850 vs. $11,410).
• Bellarmine University is 40.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than GWU (about $14,010 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $34,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.3% higher at Bellarmine University than at Gardner Webb University (about $14,010 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $34,760.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Bellarmine University as at Gardner Webb University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bellarmine University students is 44% larger than aid received by Gardner Webb University students ($39,001 vs. $27,088).

Bellarmine University vs. GWU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bellarmine University or GWU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between GWU and Bellarmine University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Bellarmine University (1140) is 50 points higher than at GWU (1090).
• Incoming Bellarmine University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (25 vs. 22 at GWU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Bellarmine University 1030/1250; Gardner Webb University 975/1198.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Bellarmine University 23/28; Gardner Webb University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bellarmine University - Test optional; GWU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bellarmine University Feb 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman GWU students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Bellarmine University (3.42).
• Bellarmine University has a higher acceptance rate (86.1%) than GWU (77.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at Bellarmine University vs. 11.2% at GWU.

Bellarmine University vs. GWU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bellarmine University and GWU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Bellarmine University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Gardner Webb University's (55%).
• Graduates from Bellarmine University earn a median of about $9,800 more per year than GWU graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,300 vs. $40,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Gardner Webb University graduates have a $31 lower median loan debt than Bellarmine University graduates ($24,969 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Gardner Webb University and Bellarmine University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($258 vs. $258).
• More Bellarmine University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GWU students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 52%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.